Timeline

July 23

Forty people were killed and nearly 200 others injured after a bullet train crashed into the back of another near Wenzhou around 8:30 pm.

July 24

Minister of Railways Sheng Guangzu apologized and ordered a two-month railway safety check. The State Council sets up an investigation team. Three officials from the Shanghai Railway Bureau were sacked by the Ministry of Railways.

The bureau was responsible for the stretch of track where the accident happened.

July 28

Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Wenzhou and promised a swift and open probe.

Aug 10

An executive meeting of the State Council, presided over by Wen, decided to lower operating speeds for high-speed trains.

Aug 16

The ministry dismissed spokesman Wang Yongping whose remarks at a news conference on July 24 triggered a torrent of public criticism.

As reporters questioned explanations concerning the hasty burial of the wreckage, Wang told them "whether you believe it (explanation) or not, I do".

Sept 20

The investigation team said initial investigations found that facility defects and equipment malfunction were to blame for the crash.